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alittlegreyfish's review against another edition
4.0
I received this complimentary ARC from netgalley and delacourt press in exchange for an honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in two sittings (albeit far apart because so busy with work.) The story follows a young princess who learns that she is betrothed and leaving the next day to meet him. In addition, her brother is leaving for the north as there is concern for war. This a wonderful story full of magic and intrigue that was delightful and fun to read. I really enjoyed reading about the characters and found the romance really charming. I found it just a lot of fun overall.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in two sittings (albeit far apart because so busy with work.) The story follows a young princess who learns that she is betrothed and leaving the next day to meet him. In addition, her brother is leaving for the north as there is concern for war. This a wonderful story full of magic and intrigue that was delightful and fun to read. I really enjoyed reading about the characters and found the romance really charming. I found it just a lot of fun overall.
livilu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
i need enzo and jenna as mi parents… or lovers, im still unsure of what do i prefer
vizira's review against another edition
3.0
A really solid debut. The romance was compelling, without overshadowing the plot, which was fun and fast-paced. I liked the protagonist, and was pleasantly surprised with how she made decisions that were sensible and understandable given the knowledge she had.
I received this arc via Netgalley.
I received this arc via Netgalley.
ameserole's review against another edition
5.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
HOLY COW GUYS! I can't even comprehend what I just read. Wow, oh wow. Loved this book from start to finished and now I need to somehow cope with not being able to dive into the second book right now.
Seriously guys, Shielded was so freaking good. My love for Enzo and Jen will forever grow. I will admit the beginning was a little slow for me but after the first chapter, I was hooked. You couldn't pay me to put the book down because I just wanted to know how everything was going to go down.
So, a lot actually happened in this book. A lot more than I thought but it was still a really good book. I, of course, couldn't trust a lot of characters because some were acting so weird during random moments. Like why are you acting like this right now?? Ugh! It drove me nuts.. but then the ending made so much sense. My brain was like, "WOW ALAINA! JUST WOW!".
The characters, story building, action, and betrayal were all delicious. Heck, even the romance was likable. Wish I got more but I'm hoping I will be happy as a damn clam in the next book. Other than that, I'm trying really freaking hard not spoiling anything about this book. Just know that I loved it and I hope you all do to.
I seriously need the next book!
HOLY COW GUYS! I can't even comprehend what I just read. Wow, oh wow. Loved this book from start to finished and now I need to somehow cope with not being able to dive into the second book right now.
Seriously guys, Shielded was so freaking good. My love for Enzo and Jen will forever grow. I will admit the beginning was a little slow for me but after the first chapter, I was hooked. You couldn't pay me to put the book down because I just wanted to know how everything was going to go down.
So, a lot actually happened in this book. A lot more than I thought but it was still a really good book. I, of course, couldn't trust a lot of characters because some were acting so weird during random moments. Like why are you acting like this right now?? Ugh! It drove me nuts.. but then the ending made so much sense. My brain was like, "WOW ALAINA! JUST WOW!".
The characters, story building, action, and betrayal were all delicious. Heck, even the romance was likable. Wish I got more but I'm hoping I will be happy as a damn clam in the next book. Other than that, I'm trying really freaking hard not spoiling anything about this book. Just know that I loved it and I hope you all do to.
I seriously need the next book!
booklover160's review against another edition
2.0
Another review I saw said this was just a typical YA fantasy with really nothing new and honestly, that's exactly what this is. It doesn't add anything new and doesn't really have an original twist on things so it was just... okay.
'Shielded' follows Princess Jennesara, a fighter princess with hidden magic, as she must travel to a new country and is supposed to marry their prince. She's ambushed on the way there and then must figure out how to survive and solve the mystery around her ambush.
I'm trying to think of what this did well, but uh... I guess it'd be the characters. But also because there are so many, plenty still felt one-dimensional. I'd say the magic, but it's nothing new and can be still a bit confusing. I'd say the political intrigue but it wasn't that complicated and I saw many of the twists coming. I'd say the romance, but it was insta-love and just... boring.
Unfortunately, that's the best I can summarize this book as boring. The first half is just travel/survival and it was so boring! Once we get into the rival country, it gets a lot more interesting and picks up, but by then we only have half a book left! I thought the pacing was just not done very well.
Overall, I do want to read book two, but this was clearly a debut novel. I really look forward to the author growing!
'Shielded' follows Princess Jennesara, a fighter princess with hidden magic, as she must travel to a new country and is supposed to marry their prince. She's ambushed on the way there and then must figure out how to survive and solve the mystery around her ambush.
I'm trying to think of what this did well, but uh... I guess it'd be the characters. But also because there are so many, plenty still felt one-dimensional. I'd say the magic, but it's nothing new and can be still a bit confusing. I'd say the political intrigue but it wasn't that complicated and I saw many of the twists coming. I'd say the romance, but it was insta-love and just... boring.
Unfortunately, that's the best I can summarize this book as boring. The first half is just travel/survival and it was so boring! Once we get into the rival country, it gets a lot more interesting and picks up, but by then we only have half a book left! I thought the pacing was just not done very well.
Overall, I do want to read book two, but this was clearly a debut novel. I really look forward to the author growing!
earlgreyjedi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
adrzeck's review against another edition
3.0
Jenna is thirsty.
I don't know how she would have reacted if Enzo was rocking some shorts but surely there'd be a daydream or two, maybe an epic poem. Pretty interesting learning "my magic story" combined with a damsel that is totally not in distress. Plenty of fighting and kissing to satisfy anyone.
I don't know how she would have reacted if Enzo was rocking some shorts but surely there'd be a daydream or two, maybe an epic poem. Pretty interesting learning "my magic story" combined with a damsel that is totally not in distress. Plenty of fighting and kissing to satisfy anyone.
briggamooz's review against another edition
4.0
Up front, I love a good YA/Fantasy romance. Bonus points if it involves some of my all-time favorite tropes: A princess who isn’t a dainty, delicate flower, a roguish love interest, strong familial ties, mistaken identities and elaborate world building.
Shielded hits each of these notes and more, playing within those tropes we’ve come to expect and flipping a few of them on their heads. Our princess is not one for balls and fancy gowns, she’d rather be in the dueling ring with the guards. Not due to the standard “not like other girls” excuse, but rather in cause of the fact that her kingdom is one filled with warriors and battle. Her people destined to defend the border of their kingdoms against a mysterious threat to the north. Our girl Jenna is a sword-wielding badass out of necessity, rather than a need to stand-out.
Establishing this play on the trope early on, Flanders continues to surprise with the twists and turns of the Halendian world and surrounding kingdoms. Betrayal is imminent and mages lurk in the background spinning lies into the ears of Rulers who really should know better.
Where Shielded truly shines is in its exploration of human relationships, be they romantic, familial or friendly. It is always fun to see siblings in a fantasy setting, and Flanders adeptly proves her understanding of such a relationship as she gives us Ren and Jenna - a brother/sister team balanced on respect, love and no tiny amount of good-natured teasing. Each acts as the foil to the other, and a grounding line to some of the more rash decisions throughout the novel.
Now, if interpersonal relationships aren't the way to entice you, Shielded certainly has enough work put into the world-building to keep one entertained. Through Jenna’s eyes, we are treated to a rich world of peoples and traditions. Halendi and Turia stand apart as neighboring kingdoms crafted to reflect the land and histories of the people Flanders has created. From their everyday attire to the way her characters show affection, she succeeds in fleshing out what otherwise could have risked being a flat fantasy landscape. Peppering the text with colloquial terms (often drawn from real world languages given a nice fictional twist), and unique personalities fed by cultural beliefs and concerns, one believes in these characters as fleshed out peoples. A success not many YA novels can claim.
There also exists a neat balance between the magic systems at play, creating a sense of fairness in the world which keeps any one character from seeming too overtly OP. Where one person may have a magical strength useful to them in battle, another is able to ‘see’ magic in a manner that allows for otherwise non-magical defense. It’s neat, it’s clean, and it keeps the characters relying on each other’s strengths in order to succeed.
There are a few deus ex moments, what book is without them? But even then, Flanders makes it a point for our characters to suffer the consequences of their actions and decisions, no matter how poor or fitting they may be. Not one person bounces back with a laugh and a smile, they groan and shamble until fully recovered. They are haunted by past mistakes and constantly second guess themselves, always asking, “Is this for the greater good?” - an authorial decision that could quickly take Shielded and its sequels from YA to NA status if Flanders carries on as strongly as she’s begun.
If you’re looking for a new series to follow, and hungering for a strong heroine to rally behind, look not further than Shielded and Jennesara.
Shielded hits each of these notes and more, playing within those tropes we’ve come to expect and flipping a few of them on their heads. Our princess is not one for balls and fancy gowns, she’d rather be in the dueling ring with the guards. Not due to the standard “not like other girls” excuse, but rather in cause of the fact that her kingdom is one filled with warriors and battle. Her people destined to defend the border of their kingdoms against a mysterious threat to the north. Our girl Jenna is a sword-wielding badass out of necessity, rather than a need to stand-out.
Establishing this play on the trope early on, Flanders continues to surprise with the twists and turns of the Halendian world and surrounding kingdoms. Betrayal is imminent and mages lurk in the background spinning lies into the ears of Rulers who really should know better.
Where Shielded truly shines is in its exploration of human relationships, be they romantic, familial or friendly. It is always fun to see siblings in a fantasy setting, and Flanders adeptly proves her understanding of such a relationship as she gives us Ren and Jenna - a brother/sister team balanced on respect, love and no tiny amount of good-natured teasing. Each acts as the foil to the other, and a grounding line to some of the more rash decisions throughout the novel.
Now, if interpersonal relationships aren't the way to entice you, Shielded certainly has enough work put into the world-building to keep one entertained. Through Jenna’s eyes, we are treated to a rich world of peoples and traditions. Halendi and Turia stand apart as neighboring kingdoms crafted to reflect the land and histories of the people Flanders has created. From their everyday attire to the way her characters show affection, she succeeds in fleshing out what otherwise could have risked being a flat fantasy landscape. Peppering the text with colloquial terms (often drawn from real world languages given a nice fictional twist), and unique personalities fed by cultural beliefs and concerns, one believes in these characters as fleshed out peoples. A success not many YA novels can claim.
There also exists a neat balance between the magic systems at play, creating a sense of fairness in the world which keeps any one character from seeming too overtly OP. Where one person may have a magical strength useful to them in battle, another is able to ‘see’ magic in a manner that allows for otherwise non-magical defense. It’s neat, it’s clean, and it keeps the characters relying on each other’s strengths in order to succeed.
There are a few deus ex moments, what book is without them? But even then, Flanders makes it a point for our characters to suffer the consequences of their actions and decisions, no matter how poor or fitting they may be. Not one person bounces back with a laugh and a smile, they groan and shamble until fully recovered. They are haunted by past mistakes and constantly second guess themselves, always asking, “Is this for the greater good?” - an authorial decision that could quickly take Shielded and its sequels from YA to NA status if Flanders carries on as strongly as she’s begun.
If you’re looking for a new series to follow, and hungering for a strong heroine to rally behind, look not further than Shielded and Jennesara.
egbert's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0